Event Summary

ORF America, in partnership with the German Marshall Fund and the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, convened the 24th India Trilateral Forum (ITF) on June 10 and 11 in Stockholm, Sweden. Gathering over 40 professionals from the United States, Europe, and India, ITF 24 facilitated frank, closed-door discussions on topics ranging from the results of recent elections to the ongoing Ukraine war and India’s policies on clean energy, technology and the Middle East.  

The forum opened with a discussion on the results of the Indian and European parliamentary elections.  On elections in the European Union, panelists remarked on Central Europe’s increasing relevance in foreign policy and probable boosts to EU member states’ defense spending regardless of the election results. Participants devoted significant attention to the Ukraine war and its implications for NATO, Russia-China relations and Indo-Pacific security. Finally, participants also highlighted India’s approach to the Middle East, including its continued interest in safeguarding economic relations, regional stability, counter-terrorism cooperation, and the Indian diaspora in the region. Particular attention was paid to the Gulf Cooperation Council, especially the United Arab Emirates, both serving as primary partners for India’s engagement with the Middle East and India’s energy security needs.

Other panel discussions included India’s clean energy and technology policy. Participants discussed India’s clean energy goals, adaptation and mitigation, climate finance priorities, Digital Public infrastructure, skilling and workforce.